Admissions Question: August 19

August 19, 2018

Q: I am interested in the option of work-study while attending law school - is that available?

A: Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program that allows students to earn financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Earnings under this program are paid jointly by the government and by the organization that employs you. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify for work-study, and this will be determined based on a review of your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). At Lewis & Clark Law School, work-study awards are available by request to qualifying students who have completed their 1L year and who have been offered a FWS position. If you’d like to learn more about Federal Work-Study for law students, please contact the Financial Aid Office at fao@lclark.edu or 503-768-7090.

That said, many people work and go to school. Most people who do this choose to pursue our part-time program, which allows one to work during the day and attend law school at night. It’s a 4 year, rather than 3 year, program, but it does help continue one’s income while in school. The first year one would attend either the day program (FT) or evening program (a lighter course load). After the first year, one can choose to go part-time or full-time in day or evening classes.

There is, of course, summer work that one could also pursue while not in classes to help alleviate the cost of attendance. And, if qualified, obtaining a merit-based scholarship can also help.